STRANDING OF THE ORETI.
ALLEGED UNDERMANNING OF THE STEAMER.
By Telegraph—Press Association. Wellington, last night.
An enquiry was held to-day by Mr Ilaselden, S.M., who had the services of Captains Manning and Walker as assessors, into the circumstances connected with the stranding of the steamer Oreti at Farewell Spin on the 15th inst. Captain Jarman, master of the vessel, stated that only one deck officer and one engineer were carried. When the owners dispensed with the services of the second mate and second engineer ho had protested. He was then told that the lamp-trimmer would be given extra wages to keep the captain’s watch. Witness had to. be satisfied with that, or else have nobody. The complement of officers and engineers was inadequate for the West Coast trade. The Oreti left Wanganui on the evening of the 14th for Greymouth, with two passengers and a number of cattle and sheep. Witness was on deck until 11 p.m. The lamp-trimmer kept watch till midnight, when the mate took the bridge until 4 a.m. Tho weather was fine. The lamp trimmer then reported to witness that the vessel was 15 miles off the light. Witness directed him to continue a south-west course, and call him when tho light was abeam. The stranding occurred through his not being called.
The other evidence given generally confirmed this. Tbe lamp-trimmer said that he did not call Captain Jarman, because he thought the ship was far enough off the light to clear the spit. James Campbell said that he was the only engineer aboard the vessel. Two firemen were carried.
Counsel for Captain Jarman pointed out that the casualty was not caused by a wrongful act on the part of the master, but by an improper system which prevailed on the ship, for which the owners were responsible. The vessel was underofficered both in regard to navigation and control of the engines. Under such a system there must be occasions on which it would be necessary for the vessel to be left in charge of uncertifioated persons. Had the lamp-trimmer followed the captain’s order the mishap would not have occurred.
The Court said that they would give a lecision on Friday.
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Bibliographic details
Gisborne Times, Volume VIII, Issue 507, 21 August 1902, Page 2
Word Count
365STRANDING OF THE ORETI. Gisborne Times, Volume VIII, Issue 507, 21 August 1902, Page 2
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